公众须知

的 purpose of the disciplinary system is to protect the public, 法院, 和 legal profession from attorneys who do not meet their ethical responsibilities. District of Columbia Court of Appeals has the ultimate authority for disciplining members of the District of Columbia 酒吧 for violations of the D.C. 规则 of Professional Conduct. 的 process is governed by 规则十一 of the 规则 of the Court of Appeals Governing the 酒吧, which generally provides that all members of the D.C. 酒吧, those making limited appearances pro hac vice, and others admitted to practice in the District of Columbia as Special Legal Consultants under Rule 46(c)(4) are subject to the disciplinary rules.

的 董事会 on Professional Responsibility is appointed by the Court and serves as its disciplinary arm, responsible for the adjudication of disciplinary cases 和 administration of the attorney discipline system. 的 听到委员会 preside over disciplinary hearings and are appointed by the 董事会.

的 Executive Attorney for the 董事会 exercises the authority delegated by the 董事会 pursuant to 规则十一 and serves at its pleasure. 的 Executive Attorney acts as the 董事会’s legal advisor and administers the Office of the Executive Attorney, which is responsible for assigning formal charges to the 听到委员会, maintaining records of disciplinary proceedings, and filing 董事会 and 听到委员会 recommendations and cases.

Disciplinary Counsel is the chief prosecutor for the disciplinary system, appointed by the 董事会, and is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of complaints of attorney misconduct and disability. 的 procedure is governed by 规则十一 和 规则 of the 董事会 on Professional Responsibility, which set forth the specific requirements for the processing of cases.

的 District of Columbia Court of Appeals has inherent jurisdiction over members of the legal profession in the District of Columbia, including matters of attorney discipline. 的 Court has the power to promulgate and, 在其自由裁量权, amend the rules regarding attorney discipline, 包括D.C. 规则 of Professional Conduct. 的 Court established the 董事会 on Professional Responsibility as its disciplinary arm, appoints 董事会 members, and designates those who shall serve as 董事会 Chair and Vice-Chair. 的 Court reviews the recommendations of the 董事会 和 听到委员会 and has the exclusive authority to impose the most severe disciplinary sanctions—disbarment, 悬架, 公众谴责.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Public

What is the Office of Disciplinary Counsel?

的 Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) was created by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to investigate and prosecute complaints of ethical misconduct against lawyers licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia who violate the D.C. 规则 of Professional Conduct (RPC).

的 规则 describe a lawyer’s obligation to clients, 法院, 和 general public in professional and private dealings. 的 purpose of this process is to protect the public by disciplining lawyers who violate the ethics rules. Our office cannot consider complaints against judges acting in a judicial capacity.

For additional information, see Purpose and 任务.
 

Can you represent me in court or give me legal advice?

的 Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot represent you, give you any legal advice, or change the outcome of a court decision.

的 Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot refer you to an attorney. You may consult the D.C. 酒吧 公益性服务 Center to obtain information about legal representation by calling their Legal Information Help Line at 202-626-3499.

免费法律帮助 

联系 D.C. 酒吧 公益性服务 Center if you are an individual living in poverty who is at risk of losing your home, 你的生活, 或者你的家人. 的 Center also helps small businesses and community-based nonprofits needing legal assistance.

I am having problems with my attorney. 我该怎么办??

Try to resolve issues with your attorney by communicating your concerns clearly and asking for a response.  Your attorney should clearly explain the fee agreement and scope of representation, keep you aware of developments in your case, and respond to any reasonable requests you may have for information.

If you feel that your problem is the result of poor communication or a misunderstanding between you 和 attorney, you should have an open talk with the attorney before you file a complaint.
 

Can you help me contact my attorney?

D.C. 酒吧的 寻找会员 feature provides the same publicly available contact information for attorneys that we would be able to share with you.  If you are still unable to reach your attorney, you may need to file a complaint with our office.

Is my attorney licensed in the District of Columbia?

D.C. 酒吧的 寻找会员 feature enables a search of all attorneys licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.  If an attorney is not listed as authorized to practice law and is advising you about D.C. law or representing you in Superior Court, please contact the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

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的 董事会 on Professional Responsibility needs attorneys and non attorneys to serve on the 听到委员会 before whom disciplinary cases are tried.

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